After years as a philosophy on the fringe of medicine, end-of-life care is now becoming a mainstream discipline.

Perhaps its rise was spurred by the debate surrounding physician-assisted suicide or by aging Baby Boomers finally recognizing their mortality and demanding better care, but whatever the reasons, the medical community is taking action.

A new national report provides examples of quality end-of-life care; philanthropic organizations are awarding millions of dollars to improve such care in New York City; and nurses across the United States are receiving funds to implement such programs.